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30-Second Gospel


Although Christians know the gospel, many cannot articulate it. Here are two different "30-second" gospel presentations (give or take) you can learn quickly and present to friends, family, or to strangers. 

Version 1

God says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Maybe you lied, took something that didn't belong to you, or simply lived for yourself rather than for God.  Regardless, once you sin, God says “the wages of sin is death.” That means eternal separation from God in a place Jesus called Hell. Now most people don’t want to admit they’re sinners. But God says, “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” But here’s the Good News. Jesus did three very important things for us. First, he lived the perfect life all of us were supposed to live, but did not.  The Bible calls Jesus the “spotless lamb of God.” Second, he died on a cross and there paid the penalty for our sins so that we don’t have to. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is paid.” Third, he rose from the dead, conquering death so that we can have eternal life; and a full and meaningful life now. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” Everything Jesus did is practical for you when, by faith, you trust on him. To ‘trust’ means to believe that what Jesus did in his life, death, and resurrection he did for you personally, and that what he did, is all you need to have the gift of eternal life.

Version 2

We have three problems for which God has three solutions. Our first problem is a bad record.  All of us have sinned by breaking God’s 10 commandments. Maybe you lied, took something that didn't belong to you, or you have lived for yourself rather than for God.  That is sin. Our bad record comes from our second problem: a bad spiritual heart.  Jesus said, “out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts . . . ” Our bad spiritual heart leads to our third problem: a bad life.  We all know what problems our sins have caused. Selfishness leads to marital discord. Greed causes discontentment. And anger only ever hurts you, not the person you’re mad at. Now here are God's three solutions. First, Jesus lived a spotless life in your place so your bad record can be erased. God says, “through the obedience of the One,” that is Jesus “the many will be made righteous.” Second, Jesus died in your place on a cross for your sins, and there he destroyed the root of sin—your bad spiritual heart.  God says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Third, Jesus rose from the dead to overcome your bad life and so you can have new life.  Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life…” God’s three solutions to our three problems are God’s gift; received by faith, not by good works. God says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” 


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